Cuprite

Introduction: Cuprite, because of its copper content, comes from the Latin name 'cuprum'. Its oxidation of primary copper sulphides is an important source of copper ore. The Onganja Copper Mine in Namibia hold the record for the largest crystals of cuprite in the world, weighing in at 2.1kg and up to 14cm long.

Distribution: Onganja Copper Mine, Tsumeb Mine, Klein Aub, Gorob, Copper Valley and the Natas Mine.

Composition: Oxide

Crystal system: Cubic

Lustre: Adamantine to earthy

Streak: Shiny brown-red

Hardness: 3.5-4